Cloud Piercer by Timothy Poulton

Cloud Piercer by Timothy Poulton

Before the proper snow arrives at the start of the winter season is the best time to capture Lake Riffelsee before it completely freezes over, but this time I wanted a more elevated view of the clouds in the valley and found this spot above the station. Once the tourists had taken their shots and moved on, I was left entirely alone in the huge landscape, and the silence was complete. I took my time and enjoyed the scenery, before spontaneously choosing to walk down to the station at Riffelberg. Although there was plenty of snow about, the path was defined by the footprints of those who had been before, and the going was easy. As many of the hotels and restaurants in the village of Zermatt were closed for Zwischensaison – a biannual period between summer and winter to allow hotels and transport companies to prepare for the coming season – I had the mountain pretty much to myself. A lovely change from hiking in the Alps during high season, when the more popular paths can be over-run by walkers.

Timothy Poulton: Photos